Where can I demo a Scupper?

What size paddle works well with the Scupper?

A good size range for paddle length is 205cm-235cm, depending on your preference and body size.A specialty retailer can provide the most help in getting you the right stick.

Does the Scupper need a rudder?

The Scupper 14 does not NEED a rudder, but for those who prefer rudders, adapts easily.You can mount the Smart Track or the Sea-lect Designs rudder to the Scupper.You can purchase a rudder kit direct from us at this website that includes the Smart Track.

What is the raised “Safety Scuppers” for?

We added raised scuppers to drain the cockpit in case of capsizing or taking on substantial waves.It drains the top half of the kayak.It also drains off any waves that hit the bow hatch before they can enter the cockpit.

My boat has water in it.Why is that?

The Scupper gathers water as you paddle along, even when waves don’t crest over the gunnels.This occurs just from paddle strokes.Over time you’ll get a little water in the footwells.Normally this is not a bother until a few inches gathers inside.At that point, one can use the Scupper Valves to drain the cockpit if you so choose.

How do the Scupper Valves work?

The Scupper Valves work with a ball that dampens the amount of water that backfills into the kayak.99% of the time they sit in the upright position.When you get more water than you want in the cockpit, push the Valves downward to activate the draining.Paddle forward hard.The forward momentum of paddling is what drains the cockpit. The faster you paddle, the faster it drains.When you are done paddling forward pull the Valve upward into the inactive position

Are the valves necessary?

No.In extreme conditions, the cockpit can take on as much as 60 lbs of water.The Scupper operates well under these conditions, as the water has a stabilizing effect on the kayak.If you don’t want to drain simply keep paddling along and dump excess water next time you reach land.The worst consequence is a wet butt.Many of our customers may never actually use the valves.

Any suggestions for working the Scupper Valves?

Make sure the drains are in the Upward off position before you launch your kayak.

When placing the Valve in the Upward position give it the “roundabout”, which is a circular motion while you are pulling upward at the top.This seals the valve and makes sure it doesn’t backfill water.

Watch our video on how to use them.

My valves are not draining properly-why is that?

This could be a number of things:

Seaweed, mud or debris stuck in the valve blocking it.

The Valve may be turned around backward or not facing the proper direction.

The Valve may be malfunctioning.

You’re simply not moving fast enough or paddling long enough to drain the kayak.Paddling into the wind or against the tide or currents can cause this.

Currents in the water, such as tidal convergence, can slow the drainage.

Why won’t the last inch of water drain out?

The final inch to 2 inches of water gets harder to drain because water sloshes back and forth, causing the valve to be exposed to air, which lets a little water back in. The Footwell Deck Pads are 1″ thick and help control the amount of water that sloshes around even after draining.

Who designed the Scupper?

The Scupper was originally conceptualized and designed by Ocean Kayak founder Tim Niemier as a successor to earlier successful models he made.Swell has since graduated from Niemier’s business incubator that helped launch great brands such as NuCanoe and Diablo.Adam Bierschenk designed the final version of the Scupper.